Incident Sequence
While returning to Gizhiga Airport after completing a geophysical survey flight, the crew encountered conditions that led to an accident. The pilot guided the aircraft into a narrow valley. As visibility declined due to cloud cover, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn. At an altitude of 460 meters, a right turn was initiated, resulting in a collision with mountainous terrain. The aircraft subsequently caught fire.
Occupant Status
The radio navigator sustained minor injuries, while the three other individuals on board suffered fatal injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the pilot lacked experience in geophysical survey operations, having accumulated only 50 flight hours on the accident aircraft type prior to the event. Additionally, the crew had been on duty for 11 hours, exceeding the maximum duty time of six hours permitted for such missions. Investigators also noted that if the accident occurred at 2115 local time, it would have been dark, as sunset at Gizhiga on August 20 was at 2007 local time.